Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best feeding for your baby!

Lincoln County Health Department has a breastfeeding peer counselor on staff. Click here to see the Facebook page.

Nutritional benefits; breastmilk is perfect baby food, has 100% of all the ingredients a baby needs and nothing added. Believe it or not, breastmilk comes in just the right amounts and at the exact right temperature. Breastmilk is easier for your baby to digest lowering the risk of constipation and colic.

Medical benefits; breastmilk is full of antibodies which help protect your baby from infection. Babies who are breastfed for at least 6 months have fewer ear infections, lower risk of asthma, and lower risk of serious illnesses like leukemia and diabetes. Babies have fewer allergies, colds, sore throats, flu, and pneumonia. Breastfeeding also helps lower the risk of SIDS and obesity.

Did you know that Mom benefits from breastfeeding as well? Mom’s Medical benefits include; lower risk of breast cancer, provides protection from cancer of the ovaries and protection from osteoporosis. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight by burning calories. Breastfeeding also helps shrink your uterus back to normal size and helps you get back into shape faster.

Emotional benefits; skin-to-skin keeps baby secure and at just the right temperature. Hormones released during breastfeeding help to strengthen the mother-baby bond. Mothering hormones relax you and stimulate loving and nurturing behavior.